Ask The Experts: Which Golden Visa Would You Choose?

12 January 2026

We recently asked the La Vida Team:

”Which Golden Visa or Citizenship Programme Would You Choose in 2026 – and Why?”

At La Vida, we spend every day advising clients on the world’s most strategic residency and citizenship by investment programmes. But when it comes to our own futures, which options would we personally choose?

We asked several members of the La Vida team – across different ages, nationalities, and life stages to share the programme they’d apply for themselves, and why. The answers reveal one important truth: there is no single “best” programme. There is only the one that fits your own lifestyle, goals, and long-term strategy.

Here’s what our experts had to say:

Paul Williams, CEO and Founder

Spain’s Golden Visa (A Lesson in Timing)

I’ll go slightly contrarian here and choose a programme that no longer exists: Spain’s Golden Visa – one we were fortunate enough to secure just before it closed. At the time, it was the fastest option available and worked perfectly for my family, as we already owned real estate there. We were lucky to apply when we did; had we delayed by even a year, we would have missed the opportunity altogether. That experience really shaped my view. Once you’ve decided on the country that’s right for you, act quickly. Every programme takes time, and opportunities don’t stay open forever. Programmes close, new ones open, and rules can change along the way.

Lizzie Edwards, Head of Marketing

Antigua Citizenship by Investment

As a dual UK and Irish citizen, I already have EU access, so an EU Golden Visa wouldn’t add significant value for me personally. Instead, I’d focus on enhancing my lifestyle, security, and long-term financial positioning. I love travelling to tropical destinations and, like many of us in the UK, I crave sunshine during the cold winter months. Antiguan citizenship through a real estate investment is particularly appealing – offering the security of an additional passport, a second home, and a warm escape when the UK weather turns grey. It also leaves the door open to attractive tax advantages should I ever choose to become a full-time resident in the future.

Chelita Virdee, Senior Client Relations Manager

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

With citizenship ties to both Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, my family would choose Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment programme to broaden our global footprint.

Having processed countless client applications for Grenada, I’ve seen first-hand how well regulated and internationally respected the programme is. Adding a third citizenship in a different region of the world would strengthen our long-term security, while creating future opportunities for education, residence, and international business and tax planning.

Lavanya Marya, Client Relations

Italy’s Golden Visa

In my early twenties, flexibility, opportunity, and long-term optionality are essential. Italy stands out as a residency choice that aligns perfectly with that mindset. The ability to live, work, and study in Italy is hugely appealing, particularly in a country that’s home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions, such as the University of Bologna. As a history enthusiast, Italy’s cultural depth and heritage are also a major personal draw. From a financial perspective, Italy offers flexible investment routes, attractive tax incentives for new residents, and a relatively fast processing timeline once approved.

Jude Clemoes, Head of Client Relations

Portugal’s Golden Visa

I like the fact that it offers EU residency with a clear route to citizenship over time, particularly with my son in mind. Portugal also genuinely appeals on a lifestyle level- it’s safe, welcoming, and consistently rated as one of the best places in the world to live.

I also feel comfortable with the fund route, as it allows me to invest in a structured, professionally managed way rather than tying everything up in property. For me, it feels like a sensible balance between lifestyle planning and long-term financial thinking.

Paul Mandrinos, Senior Consultant

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment

St Lucia has always stood out to me as a true Plan B destination. As a UK and Greek citizen, adding a third citizenship in a different region of the world simply makes sense from a diversification point of view. Saint Lucia offers one of the highest qualities of life in the Caribbean, alongside political stability, safety, and outstanding natural beauty. For me, it’s not just about holding another passport – it’s about combining long-term security with genuine lifestyle appeal, both for myself and my family, and creating future options for my son.

Jessica Brill, Senior Consultant

St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment

I’m already fortunate to have strong European access as a UK and Swiss citizen. so my focus would be on diversifying to another region for more optionality.

St Kitts is attractive to me. It’s a relatively straightforward way to add another nationality, and I like the credibility that comes with it being the world’s longest-established programme. The lifestyle side also matters. Having a second base somewhere stable, well connected, and with a great climate is a real draw.

Sai Midha, Financial Controller

Malta Permanent Residency Programme

With tax rates rising in the UK, Malta is an increasingly attractive option, with its flat tax incentives.

English is widely spoken, the lifestyle is excellent, and it allows me to remain close to family while enjoying a high quality of life. Strategically, Malta PR would provide me and my wife with a long-term European base, offering greater freedom and flexibility for the future without disconnecting from the UK entirely.

The Verdict: There’s No “Best” Programme – Only the Best Fit

What this discussion reinforces is something we tell our clients every day: the right residency or citizenship solution depends entirely on you.

Your nationality, family structure, tax exposure, lifestyle goals, and long-term vision all matter. That’s why at La Vida, we don’t sell programmes – we design global strategies.

If you’re considering your own Plan B, second residency, or global mobility solution, our team is here to help you make the right move, at the right time.

Because when it comes to investment migration, planning and timing are everything.

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Tags: 2026, Golden Visa 2026, Insights